Systems Analysis & Design
Threaded Discussion 1 – Process Management
Review the mini-case below. Then, participate in the threaded
discussions by August 31, 11.59 PM. Late threaded discussions will NOT be accepted.
Kevin and Lioyed are two senior systems analysts with a combined total of over 30 years systems
development experience. Dorothy has recently been hired to a new position as the company’s first
process manager. She has been reviewing the company’s past practices of systems development with
the intent of trying to establish a formal systems development process for future development projects.
Kevin has been a long-time proponent and practitioner of waterfall approach to systems development.
Lioyed has been a big proponent and practitioner of iterative/incremental development approach. Both
have their favorite tools and tend to very opinionated on the tools and techniques that should be used in
a system development project. Both men have been lobbying hard to get Dorothy to embrace their
particular tools, techniques, and methods for developing systems.
Question 1
How do you think Dorothy should deal with her two colleagues?
Question 2
What factors should Dorothy consider in establishing a process management solution?
Book Systems Analysis & Design 10th edition by Authors: by Kenneth E. Kendall (Author), Julie E Kendall (Author)
ISBN-13: 9780134785554
ISBN-10: 013478555X
Systems Analysis & Design
Introduction of new systems and replacing the old systems require the input and interaction between all parties involved in an organization. Conflicts arise in the course of introducing new ideas and innovations at workstations because every party has their preferred systems of operation. In this regard, the persons in charge of organizations adopting new changes need to manage the changes effectively with the view of successfully incorporating daily operations. Dorothy needs to consider a wide range of things when introducing management solutions in the organization to enable her colleagues to adopt the changes.
Question 1
How do you think Dorothy should deal with her two colleagues?
Dorothy needs to introduce strategies and approaches to enable Kevin and Lioyed to abandon their approached and adopt the new changes. First, Dorothy needs to define the new changes and their alignment to the business goals and objectives (Borghans and Terweel, 2006). This approach is achieved by giving the benefits of the new changes as opposed to the old system. Consequently, Dorothy needs to develop a communication strategy with the two colleagues changes are effectively adopted. Communication is characterized by listening and exchange of thoughts and ideas with the view of adopting changes. Furthermore, Dorothy needs to make the adoption of changes possible. In this case, Dorothy needs to ensure that the colleagues are trained on the new system making it possible for them to adopt changes. The training should involve the introduction of new procedures, controlling cost and having regular meeting to evaluate the progress of the new changes.
Question 2
What factors should Dorothy consider in establishing a process management solution?
Dorothy needs to consider all the vital factors before establishing the process management solution. First, Dorothy needs to consider the effect and impact of changes in their organization. If the changes capitalize on the benefits then they should be adopted (Ochurub, Bussin and Goosen, 2012). Furthermore, Dorothy needs to consider the resistance of the changes in the organization. This approach makes it possible for her to handle challenges thus making the project successful. Finally, Dorothy needs to consider the long-term benefits of the change and its flexibility. This consideration enables the organization to effect changes thus continually improving the organization.
References
Borghans, L., & Ter Weel, B. (2006). The division of labour, worker organisation, and technological change. The Economic Journal, 116(509), F45-F72.
Ochurub, M., Bussin, M., & Goosen, X. (2012). Organisational readiness for introducing a performance management system. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 10(1), 1-11.
